Joshua L. Martin

Joshua Lanier Martin ( * December 5, 1799 in Blount County, Tennessee; † November 2, 1856 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama ) was an American politician (Democratic Party) and from 1845 to 1847 the 12th Governor of Alabama.

Early years and political rise

Martin attended the country schools in Tennessee and then moved to Alabama in 1819 to study law. He was admitted to the bar and opened his own law firm in Athens. In 1822, he decided to commit a political career. He was elected to the House of Representatives from Alabama, where he remained until 1828. He was also a solicitor of the 4th Judicial District 1829-1834, District Judge in 1834, member of the U.S. House of Representatives 1835-1839, and in 1841 Judge of the State Middle Chancery Division.

Governor of Alabama

Martin stood in 1845 the other Democratic leaders on the issue of public finances against and announced his independent candidacy for the governorship of. He was elected on August 4, 1845 12th Governor of Alabama, and sworn in on 10 December 1845. During his tenure, a committee was formed to establish the State Bank, the country's capital was moved from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery, Alabama, the Medical Association was founded and the United States declared war on Mexico.

Further CV

Martin resigned on 16 December 1847, and returned to his law practice in Tuscaloosa. His last public office was in 1853 at the House of Representatives from Alabama. Martin died on November 2, 1856 and was buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Tuscaloosa. Martin was married twice and that with Mary Gillam Mason, and Sarah Ann Mason. The result of these compounds were seven children.